Cheliya Karingattikkal Sree Bhagavathi Kshetram

About this event

Cheliya Karingattikkal Sree Bhagavathi Kshetram is a traditional Bhagavathi shrine in Cheliya, Kozhikode district, with a strong connection to the Theyyam traditions of northern Kerala. The temple is documented in current Theyyam festival listings as a venue for a substantial annual ritual programme, confirming its continuing importance as a local sacred centre. In 2026, the principal festival observance at the kshetram was held on 27 and 28 February, corresponding to Kumbham 15–16 in the Malayalam calendar. The programme included a wide range of Theyyam and Thira performances, demonstrating the distinctive ritual culture associated with the shrine. Among the forms documented for the 2026 celebration were Bhairavan Theyyam, Chamundeswari Theyyam, Paradevatha Theyyam and Paradevatha Thira, Kuttichathan or Sasthappan Theyyam, Nagakanni or Nagakali, Naga Bhagavathi and Nagabhootham Thira, Veerarkali, Kalappuli or Kalappuliyan, Kundor Chamundi, Kurathiyamma, Pullikarinkali and Puliyoorkali. Other performances listed for the same observance included Vishnumurthi, Theechamundi, Ottakkolam, Palichon, Manthra Moorthi, Gulikan, Karimchamundi and Mappila Chamundi. The presence of these diverse ritual forms illustrates the way sacred groves and Bhagavathi shrines in northern Kerala function as important settings for the performance and preservation of regional Theyyam traditions. The festival is not simply a sequence of temple ceremonies but a living ritual tradition in which performers, devotees and local communities participate in established observances connected with particular deities and sacred traditions. Several of the Theyyam forms performed at Cheliya Karingattikkal are associated with distinct costumes, ritual movements, music and ceremonial presentation, although the details and order of performances vary according to the temple's customary schedule. The annual gathering also provides an opportunity for devotees to witness these traditional forms within their customary religious setting rather than as staged cultural performances. The kshetram's current festival records show that its annual observances continue to follow the Malayalam calendar, with the 2026 programme taking place in late Kumbham. The shrine therefore represents an important part of the ritual landscape of Kozhikode's northern region, where Bhagavathi worship, Theyyam and community traditions remain closely connected. For visitors interested in Kerala's intangible cultural heritage, the temple's annual Theyyam observance offers an opportunity to experience a locally rooted religious tradition in its customary setting. The exact schedule of individual Theyyam performances can vary, so devotees and visitors should confirm the programme before attending.

🚆 Railway: Vadakara Railway Station is the relevant major railway station for the Cheliya area; the exact road distance to the kshetram should be checked locally.

✈️ Airport: Kannur International Airport or Calicut International Airport can be used for access to the northern Kozhikode region; the more convenient airport depends on the approach route.

🚌 Bus: Cheliya is connected by local road and bus services with Vadakara, Koyilandy and surrounding areas. Local transport can be used for the final approach to the temple.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and other accommodation are available in Vadakara, Koyilandy and Kozhikode, with additional options along the surrounding coastal corridor.

✅ Notes: The existence of Cheliya Karingattikkal Sree Bhagavathi Kshetram and its annual ritual programme is confirmed by current Theyyam records. The 2026 festival was held on 27–28 February 2026 and included numerous Theyyam and Thira performances. Confirm the next year's dates and individual performance timings locally before visiting, as schedules follow the Malayalam calendar and temple traditions.